Cards Fall in 16-8 Loss to No. 4 Denver

Friday, February 9

Denver, CO

5 PM

University of Louisville

0-1

University of Denver

1-0

Louisville

Denver

February 09, 2024 | Women's Lacrosse

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Kokoro Nakazawa recorded her fourth career hat trick with three goals.

By: Kennedy Knisley

DENVER, Colo. – The University of Louisville women's lacrosse team could not overcome the Pioneers offense, falling short to No. 4 Denver, 16-8 to open up the season.

Kokoro Nakazawa led the way for the Cardinals, recording her fourth career hat trick this evening.

The Cards started off slow without a goal in the first quarter but found some offensive energy with an early second quarter goal by Allegra Catalano. Denver's Julia Gilbert responded with back-to-back goals, putting the Pioneers up by six. Kokoro Nakazawa scored her first goal of the evening on a free position shot.

Negai Nakazawa ran the field, grabbing the draw control and scoring immediately for the Cards in the second quarter. Kokoro Nakazawa closed out the first half with another goal, assisted by Izzy Seikel, and Louisville went into the locker room down 4-10.

Kokoro Nakazawa grabbed her third goal of the night on a free position shot midway through the third quarter. Louisville proceeded to score four straight goals, bringing them within three points at 8-11. However, the Cards were not able to find the back of the net in the fourth quarter, allowing five straight goals from Denver.

"We played in two thirty minute segments. Our start and finish wasn't so good. But in the second and third quarters, we played some really good lacrosse," said Coach Scott Teeter. "I was really excited to see Sara (Addeche) get her 200th save this evening. She has been playing really well and I am extremely happy for her."

Nicole Perroni scored late in the third, extending her goal-scoring streak to 37 games. Kylea Dobson and Tiffany Natoli each added one apiece.

Sara Addeche recorded her 200th career save this evening at the 6:07 mark in the first quarter. She totaled 14 saves, the seventh game in her career with double digit saves.

Denver's Lauren Black and Julia Gilbert each recorded hat tricks this evening with three apiece. Four other Pioneers had two goals apiece.

The Cards will close out their Colorado road trip as they travel to Boulder on Sunday, Feb. 11 to play the Colorado Buffaloes. The first draw will take place at 2 p.m. ET.